BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said on Tuesday that cross-Strait consultations on political differences should be on an equal basis under the One-China principle.

Xi made the remarks when meeting visiting Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan in Beijing.

"Regarding the long-existing political differences across the Taiwan Strait, we are willing to hold consultations with the Taiwan side on an equal basis under the One-China principle and make reasonable arrangements," Xi said.

"I believe that people on both sides have enough wisdom to figure out a solution," he said.

Xi called on the two sides across the Strait to consolidate the basis for adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence", and foster the common understanding of One China.

"This basis is the anchor of cross-Strait relations. So long as both sides adhere to this basis, cross-Strait relations will head for a bright future. If it is breached, cross-Strait relations will return to the old situation of unrest," he said.

Relations between the mainland and Taiwan stalled when the Kuomintang, led by Chiang Kai-shek, fled to Taiwan in 1949 after defeat in a civil war.

Business and personnel exchanges resumed in the late 1980s, and in the early 1990s the two sides started to engage with each other through the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, and its Taiwan counterpart, the Straits Exchange Foundation.

Over the past five years, the two sides have improved their relations to an unprecedented degree.

Chiefs of cross-Strait affairs from the mainland and Taiwan met formally for the first time since 1949 last week in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province.

Compatriots from both sides have chosen the path of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, a correct choice that safeguards cross-Strait peace, promotes common development, helps realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and brings benefits to people on both sides, Xi said.

Both sides should be confident of this path and work to remove any obstacles along it, he added.

ONE FAMILY

Xi said some problems concerning cross-Strait relations can not be resolved immediately due to historical and practical reasons, however, compatriots from both sides of the Strait are of one family and share the same blood, culture and aspiration.

Xi described these common points as an "important force" to promote mutual understanding and help the mainland and Taiwan march forward hand in hand.

Approaching each other and reunions are common wishes of compatriots from both sides, Xi said, adding that "no power can separate us".

Xi said the Chinese mainland respects the social system and lifestyle that Taiwan compatriots have chosen, and "We are willing to share mainland's development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots."

Noting that Taiwan compatriots have their own mentality due to the island's unique history and social environment, Xi said that "we completely understand how Taiwan compatriots feel."

"Family affection will help heal past wounds and sincerity will help resolve existing problems," Xi said, adding that the mainland has patience and confidence.

"It has never changed, and will never change that we belong to one nation," he said.

ONE DREAM FOR BOTH SIDES

Taiwan compatriots are welcome to play a part in advancing relations across the Strait, Xi said.

"Whoever he is, whatever assertions he has made before, he will be welcome as long as he is now willing to promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," he said.

Xi also called on people from both sides to join hands in realizing the Chinese dream and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

According to Xi, the Chinese dream is closely linked to the future of Taiwan, and should be shared by compatriots from both sides.

He urged people from both sides to support each other regardless of their partisanship, class, religion and native region.

Xi said, "We are treating Taiwan compatriots with great sincerity, and are willing to take advice from all parties involved."

"We will try to do our best, as long as what we do can contribute to the well-being of our Taiwan compatriots, to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and to the overall interest of the Chinese nation," Xi said.

For his part, Lien said the reconciliatory dialogues between the CPC and the Kuomintang in 2005 had led to peaceful development across the Strait. He added that both sides have embarked on the right course which should not, and can not, be reversed.

The past year had witnessed mutual trust between the CPC and Kuomintang as well as between people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Lien said.

Both sides should adopt a pragmatic perspective and let Taiwan play an active and positive role during the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, he said.

Lien, chairman of a foundation on cross-Strait development, is visiting Beijing from Monday to Thursday.